‘Religion, roots and community’ - Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer pilgrimage 2026

Every year thousands of Romani people from all over continental Europe (and a few from the UK) travel to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer towards the end of May.

On 24-25 May each year, there is a grand procession throughout the small fishing town in the beautiful Camargue region in Southern France, which ends with the statue of Saint Sarah, the patron saint of Romany people, being carried down to the seashore to re-enact her arrival in France.

Photographer Debbie Todd was there to take these amazing photographs and to chat to some of the people who went.

First time visitor Mariela from Tuscany, Livorno, came to see how she fitted into all the different types of Romani people there – and for the beautiful views.

“It’s a nice little town on the sea on the sea and I love the sea,” Mariela told Debbie. 

 So, I try to come to here to understand what it's like to be together from all over Europe,” adding that although “we are all the same people” we are also all different.

“I come see if I can fit in this difference, and it's very attractive for me to meet people,” says Mariela.

“I think it's a very smart way for our future in Europe to get together and to love our differences - I like it,” she said.

Paolo, from Italy, also came to meet different people. 

“I just came here just to see something different from the normal thing,” he told Debbie.

“To meet different people coming from all across Europe to meet and to enjoy together,” said Paolo.

Two friends, from Torino, also in Italy, who did not give their names, told Debbie that they were at Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer for both cultural and religious reasons.

“My family is Italian/French Gypsy,” one told Debbie, adding that they came every year because of family and because “we trust in Santa Sara”.

Lehmann and Steinmann, from Switzerland, have been taking part in the Saint Sarah pilgrimage every year “since we are like babies”. 

“For us it's very important to come for St Sara and to see all the other families and good friends,” said Lehman. 

“We come for the community, for the feeling, for the roots and the energy.”

All interviews by Debbie Todd for TT News

(All photographs (c) Debbie Todd, used with permission)